How Does an Electric Hot Water Heater Tank Work?

By
Douglas Orr Plumbing Inc.
|January 06, 2015

The water heater may be an expensive investment but it’s not surprising at all to find a unit in every American home. This appliance just provides us a great deal of convenience as we go through our daily routines. Think about the satisfying showers we enjoy every morning. Think about being able to get a quick supply of hot water without having to use your kettle and stove. The hot water heater is indeed an indispensable appliance. However, you have remember that it should be regularly and properly maintained in order to keep it in good condition. And you know what experts say, “Familiarity is the key to effective maintenance, diagnosis and repair.” So read on and learn how the electric hot water heater tank works by familiarizing yourself with its components.

1. The Water Heater Tank

The tank has an inner shell that’s made from a heavy and thick metal tank. This serves as a protective layer and can hold about 40 up to 60 gallons of boiling hot water at about 50 up to 100 PSI. The water heater tank is coated with polyurethane foam which is then covered by another outer shell.

2. Heating Elements

An electric hot water heater tank is equipped with heating elements. Most units have two — one at the top and another one at the bottom — but there are those that also have one. These are responsible for warming the water up.

3. Dip Tube

The dip tube is situated at the top of the tank and is the access pipe of the water into the tank. From there, the water will travel to the bottom of the tank where it will be warmed up or boiled by the heating element.

4. Anode Rod

The anode rod is an essential part of the water heater tank. It is made from either aluminum or magnesium coating and a steel core. It’s suspended at the top of the tank and dipped in the water to serve its purpose of preventing corrosion.

5. Heat-Out Pipe

The heat-out pipe is also suspended at the top of the tank. Its very function is to allow hot water to get out of the storage so that it can be distributed to your taps and fixtures.

6. Shut-Off Valve

The shut-off valve’s purpose is to control the flow of water into the heating system.

7. Drain Valve

It is important that you know the location and use of your water heater’s drain valve. It is found at the bottom and is designed to empty the tank. This way, sediments from hard water that has accumulated at the bottom of the reservoir will be removed.

8. Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve keeps the pressure level inside the tank stable. It relieves pressure in the tank when it has already gone way beyond the acceptable level.

9. Thermostat

The water heater tank’s thermostat controls the temperature of the heating elements.